Parish Life Coordinator

Diocese of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of Austin is seeking a Parish Life Coordinator to plan and run parish activities such as Bible studies, picnics, fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and liturgical events. You will work hands-on with volunteers and lay ministries.

You will manage calendars, budgets, and vendor coordination, recruit volunteers, and serve as primary contact for ministry leaders, including 55+ Ministry. Some evenings and weekends are required.

Qualifications

• Catholic in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent work experience in event planning, hospitality, parish life, or ministry will be considered.
• Experience planning and executing events; volunteer coordination experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Catholic teaching, parish life, and the liturgical year.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in events.
• Organization and time management, with the ability to manage multiple events.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and run parish events (picnic, family activities, fish fry, pancake breakfasts, Soup & the Spirit).
• Develop and manage event calendars, budgets, and timelines with COO.
• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate volunteers; on-site management of details.
• Serve as primary contact for lay ministries (includes 55+ Ministry).
• Coordinate Bible studies and Speaker Series; manage logistics and hospitality.

Skills

Event planning

Volunteer coordination

Budget management

Communication

Organizational skills

Pastoral sensitivity

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Description

The Parish Life Coordinator plans and carries out the activities that bring the parish community together, including Bible studies, the parish picnic, family activities, the fish fry, pancake breakfasts, Soup & the Spirit, the Fall Speaker Series, and funerals. The Parish Life Coordinator is also the primary point of contact for the parish's lay ministries, including the 55+ Ministry. This position supports the ministry of the parish and is hands-on, with close attention to detail and a commitment to the parish's standard of excellence at every event. It serves primarily the parish and may be called upon in limited capacities to assist the school. Some nights and weekends are required, and the parish is willing to flex time for this evening and weekend work as appropriate.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Plan, coordinate, and run the parish picnic, family activities, fish fry, pancake breakfasts, and Soup & the Spirit, including menus, vendors, supplies, setup, and cleanup
• Develop and manage event calendars, budgets, and timelines in coordination with the Chief Operating Officer
• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate volunteers for parish events (this position has no supervisory responsibility over staff), and be on site and hands-on to manage details and resolve issues as they arise
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all lay ministries, including the 55+ Ministry, and support ministry leaders with scheduling, communications, and event needs
• Coordinate parish Bible studies and the Fall Speaker Series, including scheduling, space, materials, facilitators and speakers, hospitality, and promotion
• Coordinate parish support for funerals, serving as a point of contact for families, working with the Pastor, clergy, music ministry, and parish staff, and organizing receptions and the volunteers who staff them
• Communicate event information to staff, volunteers, and the parish community through the bulletin, email, and other parish channels
• Coordinate facility use, equipment, and room reservations with the facilities team and the parish calendar, and track attendance, costs, and feedback to inform future planning
• Assist the school in a limited capacity when requested, including school events that overlap with parish life

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent work experience in event planning, hospitality, parish life, or ministry will be considered
• Experience planning and executing events; volunteer coordination experience preferred
• Working knowledge of Catholic teaching, parish life, and the liturgical year
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to the parish's standard of excellence for events
• Organization and time management, with the ability to manage multiple events at once
• Clear and prompt communication, written and verbal
• Ability to work well with volunteers and ministry leaders of all ages
• Pastoral sensitivity in working with families who are grieving
• Ability to lift and carry event supplies and equipment and to assist with setup and cleanup
• Valid Texas driver's license
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period
• Local candidates only. No recruiters.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working some nights and weekends is required, particularly around parish events and funerals.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or parish vehicle to drive to off-site locations.
• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish (St. Theresa Catholic Church and School, Austin, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators. He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Positions employed at the parish help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to, and assists the Pastor in, the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.